Issues: Miscellaneous

NEW YORK - Bronx state Senator Ruben Diaz, the lone Democrat to vote against landmark the gay marriage bill in New York, reflected on the defeat Monday, saying Christians need to organize better against gay marriage and support candidates who share their values.

Diaz, one of the 29 senators who voted "no" on the gay marriage legislation, is known as one of the most vocal opponents against the bill. He held a massive rally against the bill weeks before it was introduced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to the state Legislature. When the bill was introduced for a vote Friday, he was also the only senator to speak against the bill on the floor.

Senator Martin Golden (R,C,I-Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C-Brooklyn, Staten Island) recently joined the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association at Ground Zero calling for immediate action regarding the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in lower Manhattan. The pair urged the Port Authority, Governor Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to make the issue a top priority as St. Nicholas was the only house of worship to be destroyed in the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001.

Senator Martin Golden (R,C,I-Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C-Brooklyn, Staten Island) recently joined the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association at Ground Zero calling for immediate action regarding the reconstruction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in lower Manhattan. The pair urged the Port Authority, Governor Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to make the issue a top priority as St. Nicholas was the only house of worship to be destroyed in the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001.

It's going to be a pivotal year in New York State government. That's one thing most Albany observers already agree on. The challenges have never been greater. Throughout 2011, Senator O'Mara will offer his weekly perspective on many of the key issues, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and so much more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column "From the Capitol..."

Sometimes, writing a weekly column about state government is more challenging than others. There are complex issues not easily addressed in so few words yet are of vital importance to my constituents. This is unquestionably one of those subjects.

This past week, together with Governor Cuomo and the Assembly, the NY State Senate passed an historical and long-overdue tax cap. While New Yorkers will finally get the tax-relief we deserve some very real problems have come along with it. Most pressing among these are public employee pensions.

New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle (R,C,I – Port Jefferson) said the Senate passed historic property tax relief legislation that enacts a cap on the growth of local property taxes. that will bring relief to long suffering tax payers. The Governor signed the bill into law Friday night (06/24).

“I have long been an advocate of a tax cap,” Senator LaValle said, “and the time has come for us to implement this law.”

Albany, NY - On Friday, June 24, 2011, State Senator Gustavo Rivera joined 32 of his colleagues in the New York State Senate in voting for marriage equality. Senator Rivera issued the following statement in response to marriage equality passing 33 to 29:

In 2009 when the marriage equality bill came before the Senate for a vote, I struggled with the decision. This is an issue which a great many have a deep and passionate interest, both those for marriage quality and those who support the traditional view of marriage. In part, the difficulty in arriving at my decision is that I respect and understand the views coming from both sides of the issue.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced passage of legislation that address many of New York's most pressing and longstanding issues, including the greatest expansion of rent regulations in 40 years and the first ever cap on property taxes in the state.

The New York State Legislature approved an historic marriage equality bill that will allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in the State of New York. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/I/WF- 35th District), who voted in favor of the bill, released this statement:

"This is an historic day for New Yorkers. As the world watched, the legislature took a stand and declared that discrimination is not acceptable in any form to any person or group. Tomorrow, same sex couples will wake up knowing that this government recognizes them as equal citizens of New York and they can take comfort in the fact that their right to a civil marriage in New York State will be granted.

"Civil marriage is a relationship sanctioned and licensed by the State and it provides protections, rights, responsibilities, obligations and benefits that gay couples have the same right to enjoy as different sex couples. It is important to note that this bill includes strong religious exemptions to respect the beliefs of clergy and religious organizations.

"I was proud to support marriage equality because loving and willing gay couples deserve the freedom to get married. Once again, New York has shown itself to be a leader in advancing the cause of freedom and equality to all people"

“Tonight, the New York State Senate voted 33 to 29 to legalize same sex marriage in New York. While my position opposing same sex marriage has never wavered, it has been a position that I have often thought about and reflected on.